text: Z-Cote is a commercial zinc oxide line manufactured and owned by BASF. Due to Z-Cote's photo-protective properties it is commonly used in personal care products and sunscreens. It is available in nano, non-nano, coated and uncoated forms. Z-Cote is a derivative of zinc oxide which is Generally Recognized As Safe and Effective (GRASE) by the FDA as a nutrient, cosmetic colour additive, skin protection active ingredient and other OTC products. Manufactured zinc oxide, such as Z-Cote, is only recognised as GRASE by the FDA when it is compliant with the Good manufacturing practice (GMP) standard. The original Sunsmart and Submicro Encapsulation Technologies Z-Cote patent filed in 1991 for UV skin protection expired in 2015.